Surfers Hall of Fame to Honor Chris Hawk

In a special tribute to one of the southland’s legendary surfer-shapers, the Surfers’ Hall of Fame is set to induct Chris Hawk at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2009. The induction ceremony – which will include the traditional “hands and feet” in cement and presentation of the coveted Surfers’ Hall of Fame trophy – will take place in front of Huntington Surf & Sport (corner of PCH and Main).

According to Aaron Pai, Surfers’ Hall of Fame Founder, the unusual timing of the induction is due to Chris’ terminal illness (he is suffering from throat cancer). “Chris Hawk is a local surf legend of Huntington Beach,” said Pai. “Back in the day he was one of the best surfers in Huntington Beach and he has been a master shaper since the 70’s. We are super stoked to be able to induct Chris Hawk into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.”

As one of the renowned Hawk brothers surfing clan that includes Sam and Tom, Chris helped shape the Huntington Beach surf culture in the 1960s and ‘70s. While the brothers often travelled to Hawaii and charged Sunset and Pipeline, Chris chose to make his mark as a master surfboard shaper.

During one of these famous Hawaiian trips, Chris met legendary shaper Dick Brewer and was taken under his tutorage alongside Reno Abellira and Davie Abbott. Chris soon became a household name on the mainland and the “go to” guy for many hard-core surfers up and down the California coast for years and years.

Chris was recently diagnosed with throat Cancer and began his fight against this terrible disease. Now immersed in a debilitating chemotherapy treatment program, doctors have prohibited Chris from shaping or engaging in any type of physical activity.

In 1997 the Surfers’ Hall of Fame celebrated its first induction inside of specialty retailer Huntington Surf & Sport where several slabs remain. Four years later with the blessing of the City Council and a stunning bronze statue of sport’s spiritual leader Duke Kahanamoku serving as a backdrop, the ceremony moved outside to the corner of PCH and Main; less than 100 feet from the famed Huntington Beach Pier.

Chris Hawk’s Surfers’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony is open to the public, free-of-charge. Further information is available at http://hsssurf.com/hall.